Crossing to open between government, opposition east of Syria’s Aleppo
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – Some media outlets aligned with the Syrian opposition circulated on Tuesday news about opening Abu al-Zandin crossing in Aleppo eastern countryside.
The crossing separates the areas controlled by Syrian government from those held by the Turkish-backed opposition factions, known as Syrian National Army (SNA).
A local source told North Press, “The Turkish-backed Sultan Murad faction opened the crossing after removing road blocks and earthen berms to facilitate truck traffic between the two sides.”
The source added, “The faction facilitated the entry of two trucks loaded with bulgur from its areas to the areas held by the government this afternoon.”
Intense gunfire was heard from the government-held areas after the two trucks crossed, according to the same source.
Another local source informed North Press that the crossing was closed again after the shootout, noting that the shipments that entered the government areas “might be suspicious.”
In August, activists said on social media that meetings were held between Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation faction, which controls the crossing, and officers of the government forces to discuss the crossing’s opening.
Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation was formed in October 2021, after the integration of Faylaq al-Sham, Sultan Murad, al-Muntaser Billah, Thuwar al-Sham factions, in addition to Liwa al-Shamal, Nineth Squad and Liwa 112.
The activists said that the crossing is scheduled to open soon, adding that this comes in tandem with the Turkish efforts aimed at reconciling between the government and opposition.
Abu al-Zandin crossing links the city of al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, which has been under the control of the SNA factions since 2017, and east of Aleppo city, which is held by the government forces.